January 09, 2008

Pop, are you reading this?

Sunday, in honor of Epiphany*, I made a big dinner of BBQ tofu, mashed potatoes (both sweet and white-with-garlic), and greens. We invited my parents and assigned them the job of bringing the king cake. As we officially pass from Christmas to Mardi Gras season, we must have king cake. My personal goal each year is to eat enough of it that I get sick of it, until next Epiphany. This will be a challenge this year, with Mardi Gras so early - February 5.

I am a big fan of the plain king cake. No need for fancy fillings. No need for cinnamon layers. Jjust give me baked dough with sugar on top. I think this is the only time, when it comes to food, that my thought is cheaper is better. My all time favorite king cake is that of McKenzie's. I still have fond memories of going to the McKenzie's on Oak Street (what is now the Oak Street Cafe), picking up a big cake to take to school. The sweet smell, covered with alternating strips of purple, green, and gold sugar, and multicolored sprinkles. (Their signature look.) McKenzie's was the best. But is no longer. However, Tastee Donuts makes their king cakes now. I will be procuring one in the near future.

I digress. Sunday, my father stopped at the grocery store. He got a plain king cake. You'd think this would be good, except that their version of plain king cake does not match mine. It was just a ring of cake, with no sugar on top, and swirls of cinnamon inside.

I've given him a chance to redeem himself. Yesterday, my mom was over and we all finished the king cake. With the exception of one small piece. I tucked the baby's feet into that sliver, wrapped the whole thing in plastic wrap, and sent it home with her to my dad. Whoever gets the baby is responsible for bringing the next cake. I'm hoping he'll carry through and bring one over tonight.

*One of the side effects of growing up in New Orleans is that I'm more focused on Epiphany that many Catholics.

Posted by Shokufeh at January 9, 2008 02:51 PM
Comments

I did numerous searches and finally decided on ordering a Gambino's king cake, which arrived at my office today. I had some for breakfast, as a lunch appetizer, and an afternoon snack (though I did put it in the kitchen so as to share nicely with others). I may need to order another one!!

Posted by: natalie at January 9, 2008 08:31 PM

I loved McKenzies as well. My mother sends us Haydels, which are YUM and in addition to the plastic babie come with a little porcelain person (or, last year, FEMA trailer).

I prefer the cream cheese to plain, though.

Posted by: Julia at January 9, 2008 09:35 PM

You know, this is the perfect way to usher in the season! Epiphany is my birthday and it seems we always do nothing to celebrate either -- seems like too much right after Christmas. But a special dinner (maybe something that becomes tradition to have every year) and a King Cake sound perfect!

I'm a fan of the plain cake (your version), too. Although I don't feel I've had enough variety to really state that with great certainty. A goal, maybe, for this season?

Posted by: Holly at January 9, 2008 10:50 PM

Mmmmm, now I want some King Cake, even though I'd never heard of it before! I wonder if I can veganize that...

Posted by: Sharyn at January 10, 2008 09:16 AM

I personally like Haydel's best.

Posted by: Nola at January 10, 2008 09:44 PM

King Cake is the best food in the world. I liked McKenzie's plain one's better than their filled ones, but in genral I like cream cheese. (And how much do I love that Tastee has Mckenzie's Buttermilk Drops!!)

King Cake in high school is the best. It starts out in one class, the class with the cool teacher, and the next thing you know, it's king cake 6 times a day! I got to taste every bakery's king cake! There was a donut one that was awesome--donut with glaze and sugar-divine!

My mouth is watering...

Posted by: Emmaleigh at January 11, 2008 03:53 PM

Speaking of King Cake (I could talk hours on it), I got mine this morning and shared it with the people that work in my apartment building. When I was telling the assistant manager about it, he so didn't get it. He thought it was the weirdest thing evar. I'm sure he changed his mind after he ate some, but I didn't get to stick around and find out.

Posted by: Emmaleigh at January 11, 2008 03:57 PM